Bungee cord with interlocking hooks

ABSTRACT

Interlocking hook assemblies for elastic straps include an elastic member  500  including a pair of similar interlocking hook devices  100  connected to each end of elastic member  501 . Each interlocking hook device  100 , is provided with a connector  300  which is fixedly attached thereon. Each hook device can be connected, preferably in a locking manner, onto the other hook device creating a closed hook assembly thereby disabling the hooks to prevent entanglement of elastic or rigid straps when not in use or during storage and/or transportation. Multiple elastic straps  500  can be connected end-to-end forming an elongated elastic strap of desired length having closed central hooks with open hooks on each end. Interlocking hook assemblies for elastic members include an elastic member with interlocking hook devices  900  including two similar interlocking hook devices  800  with a connector groove  801  and a catch feature  802  and elastic member  811 . Each interlocking hook device  800  is provided with a groove  801  and catch feature  802  designed to allow each hook to engage the other within their respective grooves and to releasably lock them together. Each hook device can be engaged and preferably locked onto the other hook device thereby disabling the hooks to prevent entanglement of the elastic member when not in use or during storage and/or transportation. Multiple elastic members  900  can be connected end-to-end forming an elongated elastic strap of desired length having closed central hooks with open hooks on each end.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of my prior U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/669,160, filed 4 Aug. 2017 (issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,174,784 on 8 Jan. 2019), which is a continuation of my prior U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/950,979, filed 24 Nov. 2015 (issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,797,431 on 24 Oct. 2017), which is a continuation of myprior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/492,301, filed 8 Jun. 2012(issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,249,825 on 2 Feb. 2016), which claims thebenefit of my prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/494,708, filed 8 Jun. 2011, each of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference and priority to which is hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates primarily to interlocking hooks. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to interlocking hooks forelastic members (bungee cords) and rigid tie down straps.

2. General Background of the Invention

Elastic cord hooks are manufactured in a variety of different designs ofwhich there are two basic designs, open hook and closed/gated hook(hooks with gates to form a closure). The open hook designs aredifficult to store and transport when not in use because the hooksnaturally engage upon other objects and become easily entangledespecially when several or more elastic cords and/or rigid straps aregrouped together. The closed or gated hook style utilized in elasticcords attempts to solve the entanglement problem by providing a hookwith a spring loaded gate that is closed when the hook is not in use.However, the spring loaded gate creates difficulty for the user whilehooking and unhooking the elastic cord hook due to interference of thegate in the hook area. Additionally, the gate opens inward into the hookarea limiting the available hook area that would otherwise be availableif the gate were not present.

See U.S. Pat. Nos. D92,789; D325,546; D329,371; D330669; D307,705;D345,297; D410,378; D546,169; D559,103S; U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,447,422;4,957,259; 5,003,672; 5,224,247; 6,886,796; 7,228,600; 7,603,754;Publication No. 2006/0237609; Publication No. 2007/0067968; PublicationNo. 2007/0284326; and EP 1,717,482A2 and all references cited thereinfor a background of the invention. All of these references areincorporated herein by reference.

Attempts to solve the problem with elastic cord storage are described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,003,672; D559,103; 6,886,796 and Publication No.2007/0284326 and outline methods in which the elastic cord hook can becovered by a slide-able cover or by means of hooking the elastic cord toa secondary housing, pallet or frame member to prevent entanglement ofthe elastic cord hooks during storage and transportation. Other attemptsto solve the problem with elastic cord storage and transportation aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. D307,705; D329,371; D330,669; D625,988 and7,228,600 and outline methods in which elastic cord hooks are providedwith closing gates which are used to disable the hooks when not in use.

An attempt to provide an elastic cord hook which can be connectedend-to-end is described in US Patent Application Publication No.2007/0067968 wherein the hook is provided with “a receptacle formed inthe hook portion for receiving a mating portion of another bungee cordfastener”.

One can see a disclosure (concept drawing) of a concept bungee cord withhooks that can be interlocked on a website called Qurky.com(http://www.quirky.com/ideations/64999), which describes itself as asocial product development company, where inventors submit their productideas to an online community that works on them to refine and developthe idea. It appears that this disclosure appeared on the internetaround 9 May 2011.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted inthe art in a simple and straightforward manner. What is provided areinterlocking hooks designed to engage and lock upon one another when notin use to prevent entanglement of elastic cords and rigid straps duringtransportation and storage. Also, the interlocking hooks of the presentinvention provide a means for the hooks to engage upon one anotherforming a closed hook assembly while allowing the entire hook area toremain open and unobstructed for ease of use when attaching to otherobjects. Additionally, the interlocking hooks of the present inventionallow for multiple elastic cords and rigid straps to be attachedend-to-end offering the user the option to vary the length of cords andrigid straps while the central hooks remain interlocked in a closed hookassembly thereby preventing the central from hooks from engaging otherobjects while the hooks on each end remain open for use.

The present invention is advantageous over other storage andtransportation devices in that it does not require a secondary device tosecure and disable the hooks when not in use. Additionally, the presentinvention allows each elastic cord to be secured and disabledindividually thereby providing the user the option to transport one ormultiple elastic cords in the secured and disabled condition to thelocation in which it will be used.

Hooks with closing gates are disadvantageous compared to the presentinvention because the gates interfere with the function of the hooks andmake it cumbersome for the user to hook and unhook the elastic cord dueto the requirement to operate the gate while hooking and unhooking thedevice during operation. The hook engagement capability of the first,second, and third embodiments of the present invention allow fortangle-free transportation and storage of elastic cords and areadvantageous over gated hook styles because the hooks can be interlockedupon one another thereby preventing the hooks from hooking undesirableobjects without altering or interfering with the function of the hookwhen put into use.

The present invention is advantageous over the bungee cord fastenerdescribed US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0067968 because itdoes not have a receptacle located in the hook portion which caninterfere with the strength and the function of the hook therebylimiting its use. Additionally, the bungee cord fastener described USPatent Application Publication No. 2007/0067968 does not provide a meansto disable the hooks to prevent engagement of the hooks when beingtransported or stored when in use or not in use as does the presentinvention.

The first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention areadvantageous over the concept bungee cord as described in Qurky.combecause each embodiment describes an interlocking hook where theengagement feature is located outside the hook section unlike theconcept Qurky.com bungee cord which utilizes the entire hook sectiongeometry as the engagement means, which dramatically limits the utilityof the hook.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, a pair of similar hooksis provided with each hook incorporating a connector having a catchfeature which allows for the locking engagement of one hook to the otherthereby providing a closed hook assembly which will not entangle uponitself or other objects.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, a pair of reinforced,molded plastic hooks is provided with a groove in the base of the hookwhich allows for one reinforced molded plastic hook to frictionallyengage the other thereby providing a closed hook assembly which will notengage upon other objects.

In a third embodiment of the present invention, a pair of reinforced,molded plastic hooks is provided with a groove in the base of the hookhaving a catch feature which allows for one reinforced molded plastichook to engage and lock upon the other thereby providing a closed hookassembly which will not engage upon other objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first component of a first embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 2 is an isometric perspective view of the first component of thefirst embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a side view of the first embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 4 is an isometric perspective view of the first embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 5 is an isometric perspective view of the connector component ofthe first embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is an isometric perspective view of the disengaged assembly ofthe first embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is an isometric perspective view of the engaged assembly of thefirst embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is an isometric perspective view of the crossed engaged assemblyof two similar hooks of the first embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 9 is an isometric perspective view of the disengaged assembly ofthe first embodiment of the present invention with an elastic member;and

FIG. 10 is an isometric perspective view of the engaged assembly of thefirst embodiment of the present invention with an elastic member; and

FIG. 11 is a an isometric perspective view of the first embodiment ofthe present invention showing two bungee cords connected end-to-end; and

FIG. 12 is an isometric perspective view of the first embodiment of thepresent invention in storage; and

FIG. 13 is a side view of the first embodiment of the present inventionshowing two elastic member connected end-to-end; and

FIG. 14 is a top view of the first embodiment of the present inventionwith elastic strap securing cargo; and

FIG. 15 is an isometric perspective view of a second embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 16 is a side view of the second embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 17 is an isometric perspective view of the engaged assembly of thesecond embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 18 is a side view of the engaged assembly of the second embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 19 is an isometric top view of the disengaged assembly of thesecond embodiment of the present invention with an elastic member; and

FIG. 20 is an isometric perspective view of the engaged assembly of thesecond embodiment of the present invention with an elastic member; and

FIG. 21 is an isometric side view of the engaged assembly of the secondembodiment of the present invention with an elastic member.

FIG. 22 is an isometric perspective view of a third embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 23 is a side view of the third embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 24 is a side view partial cross-section of the third embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectioned isometric perspective view of thethird embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 26 is a side view cross section of the third embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 27 is an isometric perspective view of the engaged assembly of thethird embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 28 is an isometric top view of the engaged assembly of the thirdembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 29 is an isometric perspective view of the disengaged assembly ofthe third embodiment of the present invention with an elastic member;and

FIG. 30 is a perspective side view of the engaged assembly of the thirdembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 31 is a side view of the engaged assembly of the third embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 32 is a partial cross-sectioned isometric perspective view of thethird embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Interlocking hook device 100 includes hook 101 with connector 300, withcatch feature 304 which provide the ability for two similar hook devices100 to assemble and lock onto one another thereby forming a closed hookassembly thereby disabling the hooks 101 and providing for tangle-freetransportation and storage when not in use. Interlocking hook devices100 can be connected and locked to interlocking hook device 200 (seeFIG. 7) which includes connector 300 rotated 180 degrees with respect toits location on interlocking hook device 100, which provide the abilityfor the hook devices 100 and 200 to assemble onto one another therebyforming a closed hook assembly thereby disabling the hooks 101 and 201and providing for tangle free transportation and storage when not in use(see FIGS. 7 and 12). Hook devices 100 and 200 are preferably made ofstainless steel. Hook devices 100 and 200 could also be made for exampleof carbon steel (high carbon spring wire (music wire ASTM A 228 or harddrawn ASTM A 227) which can be coated with a various finishes, includingPlastic, Zinc, Chrome, Nickel, Nylon, Brass, Epoxy, Teflon(polytetrafluoroethylene), Halar, etc.)). Elastomeric member 401typically comes in lengths of 10″, 15″, 21″, 31″, 41″ and can be made ofnatural rubber as well as EPDM (ethylene propylene dienemonomer—M-class) rubber. It is preferable for elastomeric member 401 tohave a tensile strength of 1400 PSI (100 Kg/cm2) to 2200 PSI (150kg/cm2); elongation @ 50 lbs.-100%+ or −5%; Elongation @ Break—350%;Elongation @ 300%-880 PSI (62 Kg/cm2); Durometer—55+ or −3% IRHD;Stretch Recovery—80-100%; Low Temperature—−40 degrees C.

As seen in FIG. 1, interlocking hook device 100 includes a hook 101comprising a substantially straight shank section 103 connected to abend section 104 connected to a substantially straight front section102, and a connector 300 which protrudes outwardly from the side of thesubstantially straight shank section 103 having a bore 302 having anaxis which is parallel (or substantially parallel—it is preferred thatit be parallel enough to allow two devices 100 to hook together with africtional fit or some other fit which releasable locks devices 100together) to the straight shank section 103 and which lies outside theplane formed by the bend section 104 of the hook device 100. Two similarhook devices 100 can be engaged one upon the other by inserting thesubstantially straight front section 102 of each hook device into theconnector 300 of the other hook device thereby forming a closed hookassembly.

Each hook 101 locks into the connector 300 of the other hook device 100,preferably frictionally (though they could, for example, magneticallylock). Each hook 101 preferably frictionally engages the connector 300of the other hook device 100 (as with—catch feature 304).

Elastic member 701 (FIG. 19) can be made of continuous natural (latex)or synthetic rubber elastic strands with an outer nylon sheath. Elasticmember materials include for example Polypropylene, heavy duty nylon,OCE fiber, and EPDM rubber strands. Elastic member 701 can be made ofmultiple strands or ribbons of natural or synthetic rubber and isprepared and extruded into long ribbons of rubber. These ribbons areapproximately 0.09 inch to 0.12 inch (0.24-0.32 cm) thick, 0.25 inch(0.64 cm) wide and up to 100 feet (30 m) long. The number of ribbons, orstrands, in a bungee cord determines the diameter of the cord and theoverall tensile strength rating. Standard commercial bungee cord isavailable in diameters from about 0.25-inch to 0.62-inch (0.64-1.6 cm).Mil-spec cord is available from 0.25-inch to 0.87-inch (0.64-2.2 cm) indiameter. Specifications for a 0.62-inch (1.6 cm) diameter mil-spec cordmust weigh 14 pounds per 100 feet (or 6 kg per 30 m), support 250-350pounds (113-159 kg) at 100% elongation, have a minimum breaking strengthof 500 pounds (227 kg), and be able to endure a minimum of 50,000 flexcycles.

Interlocking hook device 600 (see FIG. 15) includes hook 603 with hookbody 604, which provide the ability for two similar hook devices 600 toassemble and lock onto one another thereby forming a closed hookassembly. Interlocking hook devices 600 can be connected to anelastomeric or elongated flexible member 701 (see FIG. 19) whichprovides the ability for the hook devices 600 to assemble onto oneanother thereby forming a closed hook assembly thereby disabling thehooks 603 and providing for tangle free transportation and storage whennot in use.

Interlocking hook device 800 (see FIG. 22) includes hook 808 with hookbody 810, which provide the ability for two similar hook devices 800 toassemble and lock onto one another thereby forming a closed hookassembly. Interlocking hook devices 800 can be connected to anelastomeric or flexible elongated member 811 (see FIG. 28) whichprovides the ability for the hook devices 800 to assemble and lock ontoone another thereby forming a closed hook assembly and thereby disablingthe hooks and providing for tangle free transportation and storage whennot in use.

Interlocking hooks devices 100 and 200 with strap 401 can be assembledby the following method:

First: Assembly of Interlocking Hook Device 100.

Hook assembly 100 begins with the forming of connector 300 which beginsas a section of round tubing having a tab section made from slits whichare cut through the tubing wall and bent inward to create a catchfeature 304. Connector 300 with catch feature 304 is installed onto thehook 101 and located on the straight shank section 103 of hook 101. Thetubing is then crimped to form the final shape, generally in the form ofa FIG. 8 when viewed from the end, of connector 300 wherein two partialcylindrical sections are formed; the first cylindrical section 301 has agenerally tight fit onto hook section 101 and the second cylindricalsection 302 has a greater diameter than the hook wire to allow for aslip fit of the substantially straight front section 102 of hook 100into cylindrical section 302 of connector 300. After the tubing iscrimped into the final shape of connector 300 it is oriented in thestraight section 103 of hook 101 such that the plane in which the axisof the two cylindrical sections of connector 300 lies generallyperpendicular to the plane of the bend section 104 of hook 101.Connector 300 can then be spot welded (see 303 in FIG. 11) or crimpedonto hook section 101.

Second: Assembly of Interlocking Hook 200.

Hook assembly 200 is assembled in the same manner as hook assembly 100except that connector 300 is oriented on hook section 201 180 degreesrelative to its position on hook assembly 100 (or approximately 180degrees—it is preferred that it be offset enough to allow two devices100 and 200 to hook together with a frictional fit or some other fitwhich provides a releasable lock of devices 100 and 200 together).Preferably the force to release the lock is sufficient such that oncelocked together, hook device 100 or 200 remains locked to the other hookdevice 100 or 200 until a user deliberately unlocks them. Connector 300can also be formed integral with hook devices 100 and/or 200 or a singlepiece of tubing can be spot welded onto hook sections 101 and 201 toform a connector. Connector 300 can also have a secondary spring clipinserted in hole 302, an insert which reduces the inner diameter of hole302, a stamped protrusion into the inner diameter of hole 302, all ofwhich will proved for a locking frictional engagement of hook device 100upon hook device 200.

Third: Assembly of Elastic Member Assembly 400 with Interlocking HookAssemblies 100 and 200 (See FIG. 9).

First, elastic member 401 is assembled by installing straight section106 of hook device 100 into hole 403 of elastic strap 401 and centeringhole 403 in the center of bend section 105 of hook 100. Second, straightsection 206 of hook device 200 is installed into hole 402 of elasticmember 401 and then hole 402 is centered in the middle of bend section205 of hook device 200.

Fourth: Assembly of Elastic Member Assembly 500 with Interlocking Hooks100.

First, elastic member 501 is assembled by installing straight section106 of first hook 100 into hole 503 of elastic strap 501 and centeringhole 503 in the center of bend section 105 of hook device 100. Second,straight section 106 of a second hook device 100 is installed into hole502 of strap 501 and then hole 502 is centered in the middle of bendsection 105 of second hook 100 device.

Fifth: Construction of Hook Assembly 600.

Hook assembly 600 can be constructed of a solid over-molded steel coreover-molded with Polypropylene, Polycarbonate, Polyethylene or Nylonwith inner steel core hook made from steel wire (high carbon spring wire(music wire ASTM A 228 or hard drawn ASTM A 227) formed in the shape ofa hook device 600 including hole 602 and connector groove 601).

Sixth: Assembly of Elastic Member Assembly 700 with Interlocking HookDevice 600.

Elastic member 700 is assembled by installing hook device 600 onto eachend of elastic cord 701 and fixedly attaching the ends of cord 601 intohole 602 of hook device 600.

Seventh: Construction of Hook Assembly 800.

Hook assembly 800 can be constructed of a solid over-molded steel coreover-molded with Polypropylene, Polycarbonate, Polyethylene or Nylonwith inner steel core hook 803 made from high carbon spring wire (musicwire ASTM A 228 or hard drawn ASTM A 227) formed in the shape of a hook808 including coil section 812 and having a connector groove 801 and acatch feature 802. Catch feature 802 consists of protrusions within theupper and lower portions of groove 801 wherein the protrusions have aspan between each end which is shorter than the span across the matingsection of hook 808. Catch feature 802 can also wrap around all or aportion of the upper and lower circumference of connector groove 801.Catch feature 802 can wrap around all or a portion of the upper or lowersection of connector groove 801. Catch feature 802 can be constructed ofa separate and flexible metal or plastic insert which can be fixedlyattached to or within the engagement groove and which will have anopening with a smaller gap than the cross-sectional area of the matinghook section to provide for a locking engagement of one hook assembly800 to another hook assembly 800. Two hook assemblies 800 can also belocked by means of a magnet embedded in hook body 810 at the center ofthe engagement groove wherein the magnet will provide a magneticattraction to wire core 803 thereby preventing the release of one hook800 from the other until the user applies sufficient force to overcomethe magnetic attraction thereby releasing the hooks.

Eighth: Assembly of Elastic Member 811 and Interlocking Hook Assembly800

First, the coil sections 812 of a first and second steel hooks 803 areinstalled onto each end of elastic member 811 by means of screwing orpressing coil section 812 over elastic member 811 which has a slightlylarger outer diameter than the inner diameter of coil section 812. Anoptional staple 813 having leg lengths approximately the same as thecross-sectional distance across the coil section 812 can be insertedover a section of the wire coil section 812 and through elastic member811 (see FIG. 26). An insert molding process is employed by insertingand centralizing first and second steel hooks 803 and elastic member 811and staple 813 assemblies into a first and second mold cavity in a firsthalf of an injection molding block. The second half of the injectionmolding block is clamped upon the first half forming two closed cavitiesin the shape of hook device 800 surrounding the assemblies of steelhooks 803 and elastic member 811 within. Polypropylene, polycarbonate,polyethylene or nylon or other thermoplastic polymer is then injectedinto the two mold cavities thereby completing the inserting moldingprocess and the construction of elastic member and hook assembly 900.Hook assembly 800 with steel hook 803 can also be molded separately byinserting and centralizing steel hooks 803 into a mold cavity of a firsthalf of an injection molding block. The second half of the injectionmolding block is clamped upon the first half forming a closed cavity inthe shape of hook device 800 surrounding the assembly of steel hooks 803within. Polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene or nylon or otherthermoplastic polymer is then injected into the mold cavity therebycompleting the inserting molding process and the construction of hook800. Each end of elastic member 811 can be installed into hole 807 oftwo hook assemblies 800 and elastic member 811 can then be fixedlyattached to each hook assembly 800 by means of a staple 813 beinginserted through the attachment means access port 809 and straddling acoil of coil section 812 wherein, the legs of the staple will preferablybe of sufficient length to be at least as long as the cross-sectionalwidth of coil section 812. Also, access port 809 can be used for theinsertion of a pin between the coils of coil section 812 and through theelastic member 811 and/or for a secondary operation of injecting athermoplastic, epoxy or other adhesive to secure elastic member 811 tohook 800. Access port 809 may also serve as a means of reducing thevolume of plastic in hook body 810 thereby assisting cooling of thethermoplastic thereby reducing shrinkage of the thermoplastic hook body810.

How the Elastic Member 400 Assembly with Interlocking Hook Devices 100and 200 Work:

Elastic member 400 with interlocking hook devices 100 and 200 work byinstalling straight section 102 into hole 302 of hook 200 and installingstraight section 202 into hole 302 of hook device 100 thereby forming aclosed hook assembly. The catch feature 304 is a tab which is bentinward to reduce the diameter of cylindrical section 302 of connector300 and provides a spring load effect to frictionally retain straightsections 102 and 202 of hook devices 100 and 200 respectively withincylindrical section 302. Multiple elastic straps 400 with interlockinghook devices 100 and 200 can also be assembled and locked into anelongated series by installing straight section 102 into hole 302 offirst hook device 100 on one end of a first elastic member assembly 400and then installing straight section 102 into hole 302 of a secondelastic member assembly 400 onto the second hook 200 of first elasticmember assembly 400 thereby forming a closed loop assembly of hooks 100and 200 in the center of the elongated series while having open hooks101 and 201 on each end (see FIGS. 13 and 14).

How the Elastic Member 500 Assembly with Interlocking Hook Devices 100Assembly Work:

Elastic member assembly 500 with interlocking hook devices 100 work byinstalling straight section 102 into hole 302 of first hook device 100and installing straight section 102 into hole 302 of second hook device100 thereby forming a closed loop assembly (see FIG. 11). Multipleelastic member assemblies 500 with interlocking hook devices 100 canalso be assembled and locked into an elongated series by installingstraight section 102 into hole 302 of first hook device 100 on one endof a first elastic member assembly 500 and then installing straightsection 102 into hole 302 of a second elastic member assembly 500 ontothe second hook of first elastic member assembly 400 thereby forming aclosed hook assembly of hook devices 100 in the center of the elongatedseries while having open hooks 101 on each end (see FIGS. 13 and 14).

How the Elastic Member Assembly 700 with Interlocking Hook Devices 600Works:

Elastic member assembly 700 with interlocking hook devices 600 work byengaging two hook devices 600 on each end of elastic member 701 togetherby engaging hook 603 into groove 601 of each hook respectively as shownin FIG. 17. Multiple elastic members 700 with interlocking hook devices600 can be assembled and locked into an elongated series by engaginghook 603 into groove 601 of hook devices 600 of a first and secondelastic member thereby forming closed hook assemblies of hook devices600 in the center of the elongated series while having open hooks 603 oneach end.

How the Elastic Member and Interlocking Hook Assembly 900 Works:

Elastic member assembly 900 with interlocking hook devices 800 work byengaging two hook devices 800 on the ends of elastic member 811 togetherby engaging hook 808 into groove 801 of each hook device 800respectively as shown in FIG. 29. The catch feature 802 having a smallercross-sectional area than the mating section of hook 800 flexes to allowthe hook 808 of hook device 800 to pass between the catch featureprotrusion thereby allow each hook 808 to have snap-locking engagementinto groove 801 of each hook device 800 respectively. Multiple elasticcords 900 with interlocking hook devices 800 can be assembled in anelongated series by engaging hook 808 into groove 801 of hook devices800 of a first and second elastic member and interlocking hook assembly900 thereby forming closed hook assemblies of hook devices 800 in thecenter of the elongated series while having open hooks 808 on each end.

As can be seen in the drawings, the diameter of the hook 808 isapproximately equal to the diameter of the hook body 810. This allowsthe hook 800 to be large enough to engage larger diameter items thanwould otherwise be possible.

Each hook 808 locks into the groove 801 of the other hook device 800,preferably frictionally (though they could for example have a springloaded or magnetic lock). Preferably, each hook 808 frictionally engagesthe other hook device 800 or somehow releasably locks to the other hookdevice 800. Preferably the force to release the lock is sufficient suchthat once locked together, hook 808 remains locked to the other hookdevice 800 until a user deliberately unlocks them.

The interlocking hooks with elastic and rigid cords and straps areadvantageous over other elastic and rigid cord and straps with hooks inthe following ways:

Novel features of the present invention include a pair of interlockinghooks with a catch feature which can form a closed and locked hookassembly by engaging one hook upon the other in a manner such that noneof the sections of the hook are exposed to engage on other objects whenthe hooks are not intended for use. Second, in the first embodiment ofthe present invention using hook devices 100 and 200, locating theoffset connector 300 with catch feature 304 outside of the bend section104 and 204 of hook devices 100 and 200 respectively is advantageousover other designs because there are no objects attached to the bendsection 104 or 204 of hook devices 100 and 200 which would interferewith the function of the hook devices when in use. Third, in the first,second and third embodiments of the present invention when hook devices100 and/or 200 or 600 or 800 are used on each end of an elastic member(such as elastic members 400, 500, 700 or 900) the hook devices 100and/or 200, 600 or 800 can be connected to one another in a manner suchthat the elastic member 400, 500, 700 or 900 are connected end-to-endwith the hook devices 100 and/or 200, 600 or 800 forming a closure uponone another thereby preventing engagement of other objects and providingfor tangle free storage and transportation when not in use (see FIG.12).

Fourth, in the second embodiment of the present invention using hookdevice 600, locating the connector groove 601 in the hook body providesfor a pair of interlocking hooks of the molded reinforced plastic typewhich can form a closed hook assembly by engaging one hook upon theother in a manner such that none of the sections of the hook are exposedto engage on other objects and providing for tangle free storage andtransportation when the hooks are not in use. Fifth, in the thirdembodiment of the present invention using hook device 800, locating theconnector groove 801 with catch feature 802 in the hook body 810provides for a pair of interlocking hooks of the molded reinforcedplastic type which can form a closed and locked hook assembly byengaging one hook upon the other in a manner such that none of thesections of the hook are exposed to engage on other objects andproviding for tangle free storage and transportation when the hooks arenot in use. Sixth, in both the first, second and third embodiments ofthe present invention, multiple elastic and rigid cords and straps 400,500, 700 and 800 can be joined and locked end-to-end to extend samewhile providing closed central hooks in the center of the extendedelastic or rigid cords and straps with open hooks on each end to engageupon desired objects.

A flexible elongated member could include one hook device 100 and onehook device 200, or two hook devices 100 or two hook devices 200.

A flexible elongated member could include two hook devices 600 or twohook devices 800.

PARTS LIST

The following is a list of exemplary parts and materials suitable foruse in the present invention:

-   100 Interlocking hook device (preferably made of made of stainless    steel, but can also be made of carbon steel (high carbon spring    wire—music wire ASTM A 228 or hard drawn ASTM A 227) which can be    coated with a various finishes, including Plastic, Zinc, Chrome,    Nickel, Nylon, Brass, Epoxy, Teflon, Halar etc.)-   101 hook-   102 Straight front section of hook 100 from the end of the hook to    the start of the bend section 104-   103 Straight shank section of hook 100 defined as the section    between the bend section 104 and bend section 105-   104 Bend section defined as the section of the hook between the    straight shank section-   103 and the straight front section 102-   200 Interlocking hook device (preferably made of made of stainless    steel, but can also be made of carbon steel (high carbon spring    wire—music wire ASTM A 228 or hard drawn ASTM A 227) which can be    coated with a various finishes, including Plastic, Zinc, Chrome,    Nickel, Nylon, Brass, Epoxy, Teflon, Halar, Vinyl etc.)-   201 Hook-   202 Straight front section of hook 200 from the end of the hook to    the start of the bend sections 204-   203 Straight shank section of hook 200 defined as the section    between the bend section 204 and bend section 205-   204 Bend section defined as the section of the hook between the    straight shank section-   203 and the straight front section 202-   300 Connector (preferably made of made of stainless steel, but can    also be made for example of carbon steel which can be coated with a    various finishes, including Plastic, Zinc, Chrome, Nickel, Nylon,    Brass, Epoxy, Teflon, Halar etc.)-   301 first cylindrical section of connector 300-   302 second cylindrical section of connector 300-   304 Catch feature-   401 Elastomeric strap (preferably made of EPDM (ethylene propylene    diene monomer—M-class) rubber or natural rubber.-   501 Elastomeric strap (preferably made of EPDM (ethylene propylene    diene monomer—M-class) rubber or natural rubber.-   600 Plastic hook device (preferably made of solid over-molded steel    core hooks over-molded with Polycarbonate, Polyethylene or Nylon    with inner hardened steel core hook (preferably made of high carbon    spring wire (music wire ASTM A 228 or hard drawn ASTM A 227) formed    in the shape of a hook).-   601 Connector groove.-   701 Elastomeric cord (preferably made of Premium latex rubber core,    OCE fiber, EPDM rubber strands surrounded by woven polyester, nylon    or cotton yarn sheath).-   800 Plastic hook device (preferably made of solid over-molded steel    core hooks over-molded with Polypropylene, Polycarbonate,    Polyethylene or Nylon or other thermoplastic polymer with inner    hardened steel core hook made from steel wire or steel formed in the    shape of a hook).-   801 Connector groove-   802 Catch feature-   803 Wire core (preferably made of high carbon spring wire (music    wire ASTM A 228 or hard drawn ASTM A 227)-   804 Elastomeric cord (preferably made of Premium latex rubber core,    OCE fiber, EPDM rubber strands surrounded by woven polyester, nylon    or cotton yarn sheath).-   805 Plane of connector groove 801-   806 Hook centroid-   807 Elastomeric Cord Bore (Receptacle for Flexible Elongated Member)-   808 Hook-   809 Attachment means access port-   810 Hook body-   811 Elastomeric member-   812 Coil section of hook 803-   813 Staple (preferably made of steel)-   814 Plane of hook 808-   815 Axis of elongated flexible member 811-   816 Shank of hook 808-   900 Elastic member and interlocking hook assembly (preferably made    of Premium latex rubber core, OCE fiber, EPDM rubber strands    surrounded by woven polyester, nylon or cotton yarn sheath) with    Plastic hook (preferably made of solid over-molded steel core hooks    over-molded with Polypropolene, Polycarbonate, Polyethylene or Nylon    or other thermoplastic polymer with inner hardened steel core hook    made from steel wire or steel formed in the shape of a hook).

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. Allmaterials used or intended to be used in a human being arebiocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; thescope of the present invention is to be limited only by the followingclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An interlocking hook device comprising: ahook body connected to a hook wherein the hook contains a substantiallystraight shank section and a curved hook section; and wherein the hookbody contains a connector groove which can receive the hook of a similarhook device, the connector groove having a similar contour to the shapeformed by the hook; and wherein a plane of the connector groovesubstantially intersects the centroid of the hook; and wherein, theplane of the connector groove lies substantially perpendicular to theplane of the hook and wherein the plane of the connector groove lies atan acute angle to the axis of the shank of the hook and at an acuteangle to the axis of a flexible elongated member.
 2. The interlockinghook device of claim 1, wherein the hook device is made of solidover-molded steel core hooks over-molded with polypropylene,polycarbonate, polyethylene, or nylon with inner hardened steel corehook made from steel wire or steel formed in the shape of a hook.
 3. Theinterlocking hook device of claim 2, wherein the steel core has a hooksection connected to a coil section consisting of more than one completecoil.
 4. The interlocking hook device of claim 1 wherein, the connectorgroove has a catch feature to retain the hook in the groove.
 5. Theinterlocking hook device of claim 4 wherein, the catch feature has asmaller cross-sectional area than the mating cross-sectional area of thehook.
 6. The interlocking hook device of claim 1 wherein two similarhook devices can be coupled together with the hook of one hook deviceengaging to the connector groove of the other hook device.
 7. Theinterlocking hook device of claim 1 wherein a receptacle is provided toattach flexible elongated members such as cords, straps, belts, cables,ropes, chains and the like, wherein the axis of said receptacle islocated below the plane of the connector groove and substantiallyintersects the hook centroid.
 8. The interlocking hook device of claim 1wherein external protrusions are provided above and below the plane ofthe connector groove for the purpose of facilitating grip by the user'shand and wherein the axes of said protrusions are perpendicular to theplane of the hook section.
 9. A flexible elongated member withinterlocking hook devices comprising: a flexible elongated member havingfirst and second ends, with the first end connected to a first hookdevice comprising a first hook body connected to a first hook and thesecond end connected to a second hook device comprising a second hookbody connected to a second hook, the hooks each having a semicircularportion and a straight portion; wherein each hook contains asubstantially straight shank section and a curved hook section and;wherein each hook body has an outer circumference and contains anexternal connector groove which wraps around the outer circumference ofthe hook body which can receive the hook of the other hook device, theconnector groove having a contour conforming to the shape formed by thesemicircular portion of the hook; and wherein the plane of the connectorgroove lies at an acute angle to the axis of the shank of the hook andat an acute angle to the axis of the flexible elongated member; whereinthe two hook devices can be engaged one upon the other by inserting thehook of each hook device into the connector groove of the other hookdevice thereby forming a closed hook assembly; wherein the hook body ofeach hook device is connected to an end of the flexible elongated memberwherein each hook device can be engaged upon the other hook device toform a closed hook assembly and a closed loop of the flexible elongatedmember hook assembly by means of engaging one hook device upon the otherhook device, wherein the connector groove is in the shape of asemicircle in plan and is U-shaped in cross section, substantially theentire semicircular portion of the hook fits into the connector groove;wherein the connector groove has a catch feature which allows forsnap-locking engagement of one hook device with another hook device,wherein the hook body diameter is substantially equal to the hookdiameter, wherein the catch feature includes a protrusion with a smallercross-sectional area than the hook and flexes to allow the hook to passthrough the catch feature protrusion thereby allowing each hook to havesnap-locking engagement into the groove of the other hook device; andwherein each hook has a symmetrical plane, and each of the connectorgrooves has a symmetrical plane, and the plane of each connector groovelies perpendicular to the symmetrical plane of its respective hook. 10.The interlocking hook device of claim 9, wherein the hook device is madeof solid over-molded steel core hooks over-molded with polypropylene,polycarbonate, polyethylene, or nylon with inner hardened steel corehook made from steel wire or steel formed in the shape of a hook. 11.The interlocking hook device of claim 10, wherein the steel core has ahook section connected to a coil section consisting of more than onecomplete coil.
 12. The interlocking hook device of claim 9 wherein, theconnector groove has a catch feature to retain the hook in the groove.13. The interlocking hook device of claim 12 wherein, the catch featurehas a smaller cross-sectional area than the mating cross-sectional areaof the hook.
 14. The interlocking hook device of claim 9 wherein twosimilar hook devices can be coupled together with the hook of one hookdevice engaging to the connector groove of the other hook device. 15.The interlocking hook device of claim 9 wherein a receptacle is providedto attach flexible elongated members such as cords, straps, belts,cables, ropes, chains and the like, wherein the axis of said receptacleis located below the plane of the connector groove and substantiallyintersects the hook centroid.
 16. The interlocking hook device of claim9 wherein external protrusions are provided above and below the plane ofthe connector groove for the purpose of facilitating grip by the user'shand and wherein the axes of said protrusions are perpendicular to theplane of the hook section.
 17. A flexible elongated member withinterlocking hook devices comprising: a flexible elongated member havingtwo ends, with each end connected to a hook device comprising a hookbody connected to a hook; wherein each hook contains a substantiallystraight shank section and a curved hook section and; wherein each hookbody contains an external connector groove which wraps around the outercircumference of the hook body which can receive the hook of the otherhook device, the connector grooves having a contour conforming to theshape formed by the hooks; wherein the connector groove is in the shapeof a semicircle in a plan view and is U-shaped in cross section,substantially the entire semicircular portion of the hook fits into theconnector groove; wherein the connector groove has a catch feature whichallows for snap-locking engagement of one hook device with another hookdevice, wherein the hook body diameter is substantially equal to thehook diameter, wherein the catch feature includes a protrusion with asmaller cross-sectional area than the hook and flexes to allow the hookto pass through the catch feature protrusion thereby allowing each hookto have snap-locking engagement into the groove of the other hookdevice; wherein each hook has a centroid and a symmetrical plane, andeach of the connector grooves has a symmetrical plane, and thesymmetrical planes of the connector grooves substantially intersect thecentroids of their respective hooks; and wherein the plane of theconnector groove lies at an acute angle to the axis of the shank of thehook and at an acute angle to the axis of the flexible elongated member;wherein the symmetrical plane of each connector groove lies at an angleof about 90 degrees to the symmetrical plane of its respective hook; andwherein the flexible elongated member has an axis, and the axis of theflexible elongated member lies in the symmetrical planes of the hooks.18. The interlocking hook device of claim 17, wherein the hook device ismade of solid over-molded steel core hooks over-molded withpolypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, or nylon with inner hardenedsteel core hook made from steel wire or steel formed in the shape of ahook.
 19. The interlocking hook device of claim 18, wherein the steelcore has a hook section connected to a coil section consisting of morethan one complete coil.
 20. The interlocking hook device of claim 17wherein, the connector groove has a catch feature to retain the hook inthe groove.
 21. The interlocking hook device of claim 20 wherein, thecatch feature has a smaller cross-sectional area than the matingcross-sectional area of the hook.
 22. The interlocking hook device ofclaim 17 wherein two similar hook devices can be coupled together withthe hook of one hook device engaging to the connector groove of theother hook device.
 23. The interlocking hook device of claim 17 whereina receptacle is provided to attach flexible elongated members such ascords, straps, belts, cables, ropes, chains and the like, wherein theaxis of said receptacle is located below the plane of the connectorgroove and substantially intersects the hook centroid.
 24. Theinterlocking hook device of claim 17 wherein external protrusions areprovided above and below the plane of the connector groove for thepurpose of facilitating grip by the user's hand and wherein the axes ofsaid protrusions are perpendicular to the plane of the hook section.